What is Natural Capital? These are the lands, waters, organisms, and processes that provide us with goods and services imperative for survival and well being. Many businesses and organizations are realizing this trend and have started identifying and quantifying natural capital, ecosystem goods and services while providing rationale for effective natural resources management. Read on to find out which companies are incorporating these Ecosystem Services into their business plans.

Sustainability means meeting today's needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their needs. The Pikes Peak Area Council of Governments developed a regional sustainability plan and videos. The videos are intended to engage and educate groups and individuals within the Pikes Peak region about sustainability. Learn more about the plan and view the video from the link below.

The Colorado chapter of the American Public Works Association (APWA) has named the recently completed Milton E. Proby Parkway as “Project of the Year.” The project turned a two mile, two lane road into a four lane divided Parkway, with three bridges added to ease traffic movements through a major intersection in the City. Find out more about this project, including its "green" features below.

Have you noticed that it is a little easier travelling up and down Nevada Avenue lately? Crews have completed new medians that will help with traffic flow, beautification, and will also serve as test plots for two different low-water seed mixtures. The project also includes the use of a more disease and insect resistant Hybrid Elm. Find out more about these improvements and what is happening next with these new medians by clicking the link below.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant is ending. This grant funded many projects for our team, and there was a small portion of the funds remaining. We have used those funds to partner with the Parking Enterprise to purchase LED streetlights to replace conventional lamps in the Downtown. These lights will start at Acacia Park and Tejon. These lights use a fraction of the electricity of conventional fixtures, and they last much longer. The light is much better for the safety of citizens and security of businesses. A bright idea all around!

Summary of 2012 i-Tree Streets Assessment

Got trees? Colorado Springs does! Now thanks to i-tree Streets, a software program provided by United States Forest Service that quantifies the environmental, aesthetic and other benefits provided by a municipality’s street trees, we are armed with information to support and hopefully fund our urban forest program. Read on to find out the results of the 2012 survey…

Even though we subscribe to the “Every Day is Earth Day” philosophy, we wanted to pass along this request from the folks at Pikes Peak Earth Day: Are you hosting a public event for Earth Day during the month of April? The Pikes Peak Earth Day organization serves as a clearinghouse for all Earth Month (April) events in the Pikes Peak Region through our website and a special Colorado Springs Independent insert to advertise your event(s). Event submissions must be received before March 1st for placement in the printed insert. Pikes Peak Earth Day funds an Earth Day Grant of up to $5,000 towards one project in the Pikes Peak region that meets the mission to “celebrate our Earth by enhancing awareness and inspiring personal and community action toward a sustainable future.” Sponsorship opportunities, grant applications, and event sign-up can all be found on the website at http://www.pikespeakearthday.org or contact Sharon Owen, Pikes Peak Earth Month Coordinator, 719-313-6780 or info@pikespeakearthday.org. Look for the Pikes Peak Earth Month Guide in the March 27 Independent.

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We want to hear from you! Have a story or Lunch-n-Learn idea, picture, question or comment? Send to aplute@springsgov.com

City Green Bag Lunch-n-Learn: CO Environmental Leaders

What do Aeroflex, Manitou Springs School District, Blue Star Recyclers, Honeywell, Springs Fabrication, Firestone Complete Auto Care, United Technologies and the United States Air Force Academy all have in common? They’re all Pikes Peak Region community entities recognized for going above and beyond compliance as Colorado Environmental Leaders. Is your organization committed to continual environmental improvement? Find out how to be a part of this fantastic program at the February Lunch-n-Learn!